The contract for the buses contains a firm order of 29 buses (58 EUs) with options for an additional 21 buses (42 EUs). To date, New Flyer has built and distributed 40 60-ft diesel buses to VTA's fleet of approximately 450 active buses.

"We are proud to build our Xcelsior model for the first time for VTA," said Paul Soubry, President and CEO of New Flyer. "VTA's continued business helps us confirm that the products and services that we continue to build and grow are aligned with our customers' needs."

The 29 60-foot buses are anticipated to begin production in the third quarter of 2014 and will be completely manufactured and assembled at New Flyer of America's St. Cloud, Minn. manufacturing facility. All buses are expected to be delivered by the fourth quarter of 2014.

The campaign is similar to the one developed for subways, with the focus on reminding passengers that avoiding certain behaviors can ensure a faster and more pleasant ride for everyone. Reminders include step aside to let others off first; remove your backpack; and don’t clip your nails on the bus.

While Founder Matt George is interested in connecting Capitol Hill, K Street and Dupont Circle, it’s not yet clear if those will be the neighborhoods Bridj starts with. The start-up is encouraging interested customers to request specific routes on its website

Des Moines Area Regional Transit's 60-foot low floor articulated buses will replace high-floor buses and include newly installed ramps, remanufactured power trains, transmissions, engines and brakes. It will also be equipped with two ADA compliant wheelchair lifts.